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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 11th, 2021–Mar 12th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Coast Inland.

Lingering wind slabs remain a concern at upper elevations, especially on northerly aspects. Watch for denser, deeper drifts near ridge-crests and rollovers.

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Clear with cloudy periods / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -5 

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate west wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1600 m

SATURDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 1 / freezing level 2500 m

SUNDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2400 m

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger, particularly on northerly aspects in the alpine. Large cornices remain a concern, especially during the heat of the day.

There was one size 1.5 cornice reported on Wednesday and a few reports of small dry loose avalanches on Monday in the north of the region.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes at upper elevations and may still be possible to trigger. Solar aspects likely have a crust on the surface, and soft, dry snow can likely be found in sheltered, shaded areas. Massive cornices exist on ridgelines, which can also act as triggers on slopes below. 

In the north of the region, a weak layer of facets buried in mid-February may still be found on north aspects near treeline but has been gaining strength. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated with no concerns of buried weak layers. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.